Professionals working in the occupational health and safety field can benefit in many ways form an online degree program. An occupational safety and health masters degree online can be a wise choice for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in a related field and want to advance their careers.  Online programs are popular because of their flexibility and accessibility.  Pursuing an occupational health and safety masters degree online enables students in a qualified academic program to study at the times that work best for them.  If they’re juggling work and family obligations, they can fit study time around them.  

Masters in occupational health and safety jobs span many sectors.  After all, no matter the industry, workplace safety is essential.  Most safety professionals have similar responsibilities centered on collecting and interpreting data. Hazardous materials management is needed in many industries. However, positions become more specialized at the managerial levels, as employees are responsible not only for implementing safety protocols but also for coordinating teams to accomplish that goal.  Masters in occupational health and safety jobs are available in both the public and private sectors. 

How We Ranked the Best Online Occupational Health and Safety Master’s Degree Programs

The editors at Value Colleges know online graduate students want to feel confident that their degree will pay off. That’s why VC focuses only on accredited, legitimate colleges and universities, ranking programs according to their tuition rate, reputation, and potential salary. Data for the ranking comes from Niche and IPEDS. 

1. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology provides the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree available in the state of Georgia. Students are taught how to use the latest technology and to professionally evaluate and investigate any occupational health and safety issues found in the workplace. Graduates who earn a Professional Masters’ in Occupational Safety and Health are capable of working for any organization responsible for maintaining safety and health standards in the workplace.

Georgia Institute of Technology’s online degree programs make it easy for students to work full-time while they are going to school. With the help of the professional staff and faculty members, graduates are able to move forward with their careers, applying what they have learned in their current job. This reinforces the learning process and makes it easier for the student to retain the information. Earning an online Masters’ degree in occupational health and safety offers increased growth potential and the possibility of higher wages as well.

Program: Professional Master’s in Occupational Safety and Health

Georgia Institute of Technology

2. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University offers the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree in the Southwest. The degree program guarantees that students are able to find effective solutions to many safety issues in the workplace. Graduates are able to use the latest advancements in technology to create safer, more productive work environments. With an online MS in Safety Engineering, graduates can continue working and utilizing their new skills as soon as they learn them.

Texas A&M University is one of the most technologically advanced schools of higher learning in the country. It is well-respected both for its academic excellence as well as for its award-winning faculty members. Every student has access to the most up to date resources available in order to get the most out of their education experience. After graduation, students are able to apply for higher-paying jobs and take on more responsibilities.

Program: MS in Safety Engineering

Texas A&M University

3. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University offers the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree program available in the DC area. The program allows students to take their classes online while continuing to work their full-time job. They are given the skills and resources they need to perform the duties associated with their position. With an online MS in Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, graduates are able to move forward with their careers and create a safer, more hygienic work environment.

Johns Hopkins University has a reputation for being one of the most technologically advanced universities in the world. The courses it offers to students provides the most up to date information available while the faculty members are some of the most well-known and well-respected in their fields. As students work their way to graduation, they are able to take advantage of new opportunities for advancement in their current job and begin to earn more money in the process.

Program: MS in Occupational And Environmental Hygiene

Johns Hopkins University

4. Indiana University

Indiana University offers the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree in the Midwest. Students learn skills associated with safety management and maintaining a safe work environment. They are taught safety protocols and best practices that will allow them to monitor and identify potential health hazards within the workplace. Having an MS in Applied Health Science with a specialization in Safety Management will allow students to advance their careers as soon as they complete their course of study.

Indiana University is one of the country’s most well-respected schools, especially when it comes to the health sciences. The degree programs offered by the university are some of the best in the world. The online format allows for a student to be located anywhere in the world and still be able to enroll in this prestigious degree program. Faculty members are highly respected professionals in their own right and provide students with much-needed guidance and encouragement.

Program: MS in Applied Health Science – Safety Management

5. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida provides students with the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree in the southeastern section of the country. Students are given all of the necessary skills and abilities to maintain a safe environment within your workplace. Graduates will be able to create a work environment that includes all of the necessary safety precautions and protocols. Earning an online MPH in Health, Safety, and Environment degree is an ideal way to push your career forward.

The University of South Florida has been providing quality educational programs for many years, allowing students who attend online to have everything they need for many years to come. Students and faculty members work together to create an online learning environment that provides everything a student needs in addition to accessibility to instructors when it’s needed. Students who enroll in online degree programs are able to continue to support their families while they earn their degrees.

Program: MPH in Health, Safety, and Environment

University of South Florida

6. West Virginia University

West Virginia University offers the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degrees in the state. Students are taught leadership skills and safety best practices that will allow them to make positive changes in work environments so that safety is a priority and not an option. Graduates who have taken the time to earn an online MS in Safety Management have an opportunity to look for a position in their field before they graduate making it possible to work while they are learning.

West Virginia University has a reputation for being one of the best schools in the area in terms of technology and advanced learning opportunities. Faculty members offer guidance and give students the benefit of their years of experience so they can gain a new perspective they can use when building their careers. An MS in Safety Management will provide you with the tools you need to build your career while you are still working a full-time job.

Program: MS in Safety Management

West Virginia University

7. CUNY School of Public Health

CUNY School of Public Health gives students an opportunity to enroll in the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree program. Students are taught how to create a safer, more productive work environment. Being able to identify potential health and safety hazards is an important job in any industry. With an online MS in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, graduates are able to utilize a wide variety of resources to create safe and healthy work environments that are free of hazards.

CUNY School of Public Health is well-known throughout New York for its quality educational programs and state of the art technology. The ability to provide their degree programs in an online format makes it possible for a student who must work a full-time job to return to school and complete their degree. Faculty members understand how important this is and will work with students to help them achieve their career goals for the future.

Program: MS in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences

CUNY School of Public Health

8. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University gives students the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree programs so they can further their education. The university gives students the skills to evaluate work environments and implement positive changes that make it much safer for the employees who work there. Having an MS in Occupational Safety Management gives the graduate an opportunity to make positive changes in the workplace.

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University has two locations, one in Daytona Beach, Florida and one in Phoenix, Arizona. Students who choose to learn using the online format can attend class from any location as long as they have an internet connection. Faculty members are always available when they are needed to help students who may be experiencing difficulties with their coursework. Graduates are able to earn their degree in occupational health and safety while taking on new responsibilities at their workplace. 

Program: MS in Occupational Safety Management

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

9. University of Nebraska Medical Center

The University of Nebraska Medical Center provides students with the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree programs in the state. Skills and best practices are taught so that students can create protocols that will improve environmental and occupational health in the workplace. Each student who earns their online MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health will be able to enter the workforce and create changes that will keep other employees safe.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center has a reputation for being the leading teaching school when it comes to medical practices and environmental and occupational health. Faculty members are medical professionals who are constantly striving to provide each student with the best advice and encouragement possible. Because of the flexibility of the online format, students are able to care for their families and continue to work at their regular job while earning their degrees.

Program: MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health

University of Nebraska Medical Center

10. University of Houston Clear Lake

The University of Houston Clear Lake has a history of providing the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree programs in the area. Students are given information on a variety of potential health and safety hazards. Once they are aware of what type of hazards may be in a specific environment, it is easier to come up with a solution to remedy the situation. With an MS in Occupational Safety and Health, graduates can create positive solutions using any available resources they have at their disposal.

The University of Houston Clear Lake is a leader in the state of Texas when it comes to occupational safety and health awareness. Not only are the courses informative and concise, but the faculty members are also consummate professionals who are both knowledgeable and supportive. Graduates can rely on both to provide them with an award-winning education they can count on to help them establish a career they can be proud of.

Program: MS in Occupational Safety and Health

University of Houston Clear Lake

11. University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree programs in the southern states. Students are provided with courses that explore both environmental and occupational health issues and how to correct them. By earning an MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health, graduates are able to improve conditions in both the environment as well as in the workplace. Good health starts with a safe environment.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is well-known in the south for its quality curriculum and in-depth degree programs. Students can choose from a traditional classroom environment or an online learning format. No matter which learning environment they choose, the faculty who supports them are dedicated to providing them with all of the assistance and encouragement they need. With the online format, students who are already working can do so and still continue on with their education.

Program: MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health

University of Alabama at Birmingham

12. University of Wisconsin Whitewater

The University of Wisconsin Whitewater has the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree programs in the area for students who are interested in making environmental safety a career. Keeping our natural environment safe requires extensive problem-solving skills that allow managers to determine what is causing the problem and then finding a solution that will benefit everyone involved. With an online MS in Environmental Safety and Health, graduates can take the necessary steps to protect the environment and ensure good health for all life forms.

The University of Wisconsin Whitewater is often referred to as a College of Distinction due to its advanced online learning programs. Faculty members have a strong reputation for providing learning tools that help students grasp and retain the information they learn. The online format makes it easier for students to remain motivated especially when they don’t have to worry about being off work to go to school. With faculty members making themselves available as needed, students are able to learn when it works best for them.

Program: MS in Environmental Safety and Health

University of Wisconsin Whitewater

13. Murray State University

Murray State University provides students with the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree programs available in the area. Students who pursue this degree are focused on maintaining a safe work environment and need the skills that are necessary to identify and solve potential problems that arise from faulty equipment or poor workmanship. An online MS in Occupational Health and Safety degree program gives students what they need to succeed in creating a safe work environment.

Murray State University is one of many universities and colleges that have started offering online courses to their students who want to complete their degree but have to work a full-time job to take care of their families and other financial obligations. Faculty members are able to work with each student on an individual basis to ensure that they have everything they need when it comes time o graduate. Settling for less is just not an option.

Program: MS in Occupational Safety and Health

Murray State University

14. East Carolina University

East Carolina University gives each student an option to enroll in the best online Occupational Health and Safety Master’s degree program. Occupational safety includes skills that are used to make sure work areas are safe and have no hazards that could lead to an accident or injure a worker. Graduates who earn an online MS in Occupational Safety will have the ability to work as a safety manager or inspector in a variety of industries. Being able to take classes online gives them an opportunity to look for work before they graduate and begin to build experience.

At East Carolina University, each online degree program is developed to provide the most advanced skills and up to date technology available. Students can rely on the school’s valuable resources and esteemed faculty for answers if issues do arise. Graduates who choose to attend the school and enroll in the online courses are able to enjoy the same quality learning experience as those in a classroom. The benefit is that they can go to school from any location.

Program: MS in Occupational Safety

East Carolina University

15. Tulane University

Tulane University offers the best online occupational health and safety Masters’ degree programs in the Louisiana area. Industrial hygiene and occupational health and safety management require a variety of skills that allow a graduate to be able to solve safety issues as they arise as well as create safety guidelines and protocols that will keep workers safe in the future. With an MSPH in Industrial Hygiene or Occupational Health and Safety Management, a graduate is capable of performing their duties both effectively and expeditiously.

Tulane University is one of the most revered colleges in the country when it comes to quality degree programs. In addition to its stellar classroom offerings, the university now offers the same quality education in an online format making it easier for anyone to return to school and complete their education. Only the most professional faculty members are recruited to teach students at Tulane. Graduates leave the school knowing they have everything they need.

Program: MSPH in Industrial Hygiene or Occupational Health and Safety Management 

16. University of Wisconsin Stout

The University of Wisconsin Stout provides the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree programs in the upper Midwest. Graduates learn leadership skills that are necessary for working with risk control and safety concerns. Understanding how to effectively manage risk and control the outcome of situations that could possibly lead to an accident are requirements for safety managers and risk control professionals. By earning an online MS in Risk Control and Safety Management, graduates can look forward to a long and successful career.

The University of Wisconsin Stout has quickly earned a reputation of being one of the most academically sound schools of higher learning when it comes to online course work. The university has put together online degree programs that will meet or exceed industry expectations. Faculty members are chosen based on their experience and the dedication they have to keep students moving forward in terms of their careers and goals.

Program: MS in Risk Control and Safety Management

University of Wisconsin Stout

17. Oakland University

Oakland University is able to offer the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree programs in the state of California. Safety managers require skills that enable them to be quick on their feet and capable of handling any situation. They must also be proficient in developing and enforcing safety guidelines in the workplace. An online MS in Safety Management provides all of the required skills to help a graduate reach his or her career goals and objectives.

Oakland University offers both online courses and traditional classroom degree programs so that students have the ability to choose which type of learning environment is best for them. Along with the resources the school has to offer, faculty members are also valuable assets that students can depend on to answer their questions and provide them with sound career advice as they continue to move forward with their education. Learning in an online format offers students who have trouble in classrooms a unique opportunity to learn where they are most comfortable.

Program: MS in Safety Management

Oakland University

18. Rochester Institute of Technology

At Rochester Institute of Technology, the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree programs are available to students who wish to learn from home. When working with environmental, health, and safety management protocols, the goal is to provide a work environment that is both safe and secure for the workers. Earning an MS in Environmental, Health, and Safety Management degree gives the graduate all of the skills they need to establish safety protocols and make sure they are enforced.

The Rochester Institute of Technology provides the highest possible level of academic excellence in the state. The courses are developed using the highest possible standards and the most advanced technology possible. Students and faculty work together to ensure that the courses are continually providing students with everything they need to become successful managers in the occupational safety and health career field.

Program: MS in Environmental, Health and Safety Management

Rochester Institute of Technology

19. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University offers its students the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree programs in the south. Students are provided with the ability to create positive solutions to health and safety concerns that are often found in the workplace. With an online MS in Occupational Safety and Health, the graduate understands what safety issues are and how they should be addressed so that they do not turn into accidents that involve damage to property or injury.

Columbia Southern University is able to provide its online students the highest quality academic courses in the area. The university has put together degree programs that meet industry standards on every level. Students are capable of working with faculty members to ensure that they fully understand the course materials and that they are able to be effective as safety and occupational health manager. They are able to set goals for themselves and reach them without hesitation.

Program: MS in Occupational Safety and Health

Columbia Southern University

20. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University offers the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree programs in Kentucky. Students are taught the importance of maintaining a safe work environment and how to establish new protocols that can be used to keep employees safe while in the workplace. Earning an online MS in Occupational Safety gives students an opportunity to start working and still continue with their education. This is an advantage that provides them with the best of both worlds.

Eastern Kentucky University gives students the best possible online course curriculums as well as the most professional and well-respected faculty members. Each member of the faculty has years of experience and are fully committed to providing each student with the level of education they need and deserve. After graduation, students are able to enter the workforce with the skills that are required for working in the occupational safety industry. They can reach their goals with confidence and look forward to a strong career.

Program: MS in Occupational Safety

Eastern Kentucky University

21. University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri gives students a chance to earn the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree in the state. Occupational safety management requires problem-solving skills, quick thinking, and the leadership ability to ensure that safety protocols are followed. By enrolling in an online MS in Occupational Safety Management, students can begin to work prior to graduation and learn from hands-on experience as well as coursework giving them the very best of both worlds.

The University of Central Missouri is known throughout the area for its academic excellence and online degree programs. Well-respected faculty members are committed to seeing each of their students succeed. By providing each student with the one-on-one attention they need, faculty members are able to resolve problems and make sure students get back on track much sooner than later. Students are able to draw from both their degree program as well as the experience of their instructors when working their way through the challenges associated with their education.

Program: MS in Occupational Safety Management

University of Central Missouri

22. Indiana State University

Indiana State University offers one of the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree programs available in the Midwest. Students are able to learn management skills as well as how to create safety guidelines that will work within each individual situation. When a student chooses to enroll in an online MA or MS in Occupational Safety Management, the ultimate goal is to become a safety manager with the skills to make a difference in whatever work environment they are in.

Indiana State University is well-known throughout the Ohio Valley for its excellent online academic programs. Each program has been meticulously developed to provide the best skills and abilities possible. Faculty members are also carefully chosen to ensure that students have the best possible learning experience. Every graduate completes their education knowing that they are able to perform the duties of their position accurately and efficiently.

Program: MA or MS in Occupational Safety Management

Indiana State University

23. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers students the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree programs that will allow them to pursue a career as an occupational safety manager. Students are taught both leadership and problem-solving skills that will enable them to take charge of a situation and make any necessary requests to ensure the safety of the employees. An online MS in Occupational Safety and Health gives students a chance to go to work while they are still in school giving them the advantage over their competitors.

Southeastern Oklahoma State University provides the best online educational programs possible giving students every opportunity to learn and explore their chosen career field. By working one on one with faculty members, students are able to face new challenges with confidence knowing that when they graduate they will have the ability to effectively manage a safe and productive work environment. The online courses they receive are the same high-quality courses in the classroom which also gives them an additional advantage.

Program: MS in Occupational Safety and Health

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

24. University of Findlay

The University of Findlay is able to provide the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree to students who are ready to move forward with their career goals. Environmental, safety, and health management skills include assessing a workplace environment, identifying potential hazards, and establishing effective safety guidelines that can be used to reduce the risk of an accident or injury. With an online MS in Environmental, Safety, and Health Management degree graduates can make a name for themselves within the industry.

The University of Findlay offers many of the best online learning programs in the entire Midwest. Students who choose the school often do so because of the small number of students in each class and the faculty’s commitment to providing each student with the resources they need to be a successful manager in the occupational health and safety field. Graduates know that once they receive their diplomas, they will be ready to take on whatever position they apply for.

Program: MS in Environmental, Safety & Health Management

University of Findlay

25. Montana Tech of the University of Montana

Montana Tech of the University of Montana offers students the best online occupational health and safety Master’s degree program available. Students learn the skills and knowledge associated with an industrial hygiene manager. The online format makes it possible for the student to earn an MS in Industrial Hygiene without ever entering a classroom. The Distance Learning/Professional Track provides them with everything they need to learn from home.

Montana Tech of the University of Montana has developed an online degree program that is as complete and informative as any classroom offering. Students have the ability to complete their work when it is most convenient for them, giving them an opportunity to continue working while they learn. Faculty members always are ready to assist a student if they find they are having difficulties. As graduation approaches, students know they are fully prepared to take the next step.

Program: MS in Industrial Hygiene – Distance Learning/Professional Track

Montana Tech

Why Should I Get My Master’s in Occupational Health and Safety Online?

The flexibility of an online occupational and environmental health graduate degree program makes it possible for students to work at their own pace, spending more time on challenging course material while cruising through subjects that come easily to them.

• Study Anywhere.  Students can complete courses anywhere they have a reliable internet connection.  They can work toward their occupational health and safety masters online at home, at the local coffee shop, or even on the train commute to work.  
• More Program Options.  Completing an online masters degree in occupational health and safety means students aren’t limited to schools within their locale.  They can attend a college thousands of miles away without leaving their living room.  Even if they attend a school nearby, enrolling in an online program saves time and money they would otherwise spend on commuting.
• Opportunities to Connect.  Even though an occupational health and safety masters degree online program doesn’t meet in-person, students can still connect with teachers and classmates.  Discussion boards, forums, and social media can help students find a sense of community.  Students in an occupational health and safety masters online course can contact instructors through email and chat.  This approach works well for those who might otherwise have difficulty speaking up in class.

What Can I Do with a Master’s in Occupational Health and Safety?

Most companies employ occupational safety specialists in-house or contract with an outside non-governmental entity to ensure they’re following federal guidelines.

• Ergonomist.  Ergonomists are tasked with recommending workplace adaptations to promote employees’ safety and comfort.  In an office setting, an ergonomist might suggest that an employer provide workers with standing desks or chairs that give plenty of back support.  At a manufacturing site, these professionals may map out major changes to the layout of equipment to improve efficiency and prevent injuries.
• Environmental Protection Officer.  People in this position are responsible for enforcing (and in some cases helping to create), regulations designed to preserve the environment.  There’s been an uptick in the need for environmental protection officers as communities expand to suburban and exurban areas.  Job duties for environmental protection officers may include assisting with government clean-up programs, advancing local conservation projects, and enforcing construction codes to protect ecosystems and community residents.
• Industrial Hygienist.  Industrial hygienists inspect workplaces to identify potential hazards.  Their role differs from government officers though.  Government employees are tasked with issuing citations and otherwise upholding occupational safety laws.  Instead of enforcing the law, industrial hygienists collaborate with business owners to help them avoid violations in the first place.  People working in this capacity guide managers and staff in creating workplace policies to ensure compliance.
• OSHA Inspector.  Most occupational health and safety specialists who work in the public sector are employed by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).  This agency enforces safety regulations established by the US Department of Labor.  OSHA inspectors check workplaces for violations of these laws.  If needed, they can also impose fines or even require a non-compliant business to shut down.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job growth in occupational health and safety is projected at 4% through 2029, which is on par with average growth rates for all industries and sectors.  

How Much Can I Make with a Master’s in Occupational Health and Safety?

According to the BLS, occupational safety specialists earned a median wage of $74,1000 per year in May 2019.  The median salary for managers and directors with a graduate safety practitioner degree is likely to be somewhere between $70,000 and $82,000 per year.  However, payscale.com reports that for professionals with advanced degrees, the median masters in occupational health and safety salary can be as high as $104,516 to $114,679.  The median or average masters in occupational safety and health salary for a certified safety professional can vary considerably based on educational level, location, and experience.  Some job candidates, such as certified safety professionals, may have additional degrees or certifications that put them in line for a bigger paycheck.

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